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Description
Conostylis Candicans, commonly known as Grey Cottonheads or Grey Cottonheads Sunray, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the family Haemodoraceae. It is native to Western Australia and is commonly found in sandy soils, on rock outcrops and in open forests. This plant is characterized by its silvery-grey leaves and yellow daisy-like flowers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Commelinales |
| Family | Haemodoraceae |
| Genus | Conostylis |
Appearance
Conostylis Candicans has a clumping habit, growing up to 50cm high and 50cm wide. The leaves are long, thin, and silvery-grey in color. The flowers are yellow, daisy-like, and grow on long stems above the foliage. The plant blooms in winter and spring, from July to November.
Care Guide
Water: Conostylis Candicans requires moderate watering during the growing season. It prefers well-draining soil and does not tolerate waterlogging.
Fertilization: This plant does not require frequent fertilization. A slow-release fertilizer applied in spring is sufficient.
Soil: Conostylis Candicans prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Sandy or loamy soils are ideal.
Sunlight: This plant requires full sun to thrive. It can tolerate some shade but performs best in bright sunlight.
Hardiness Zones: Conostylis Candicans is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Conostylis Candicans is generally pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to fungal diseases in wet conditions. Root rot can occur if the soil is poorly drained.
Habitat
Conostylis Candicans is native to Western Australia and is commonly found in sandy soils, on rock outcrops, and in open forests. It is adapted to dry conditions and can tolerate some drought.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Conostylis Candicans be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers, provided they have good drainage and are not overwatered.
Q: Does Conostylis Candicans attract bees?
A: Yes, the yellow flowers of Conostylis Candicans attract bees and other pollinators.
Q: How often should Conostylis Candicans be fertilized?
A: Conostylis Candicans does not require frequent fertilization. A slow-release fertilizer applied in spring is sufficient.
Q: Can Conostylis Candicans be grown in a humid climate?
A: This plant prefers dry conditions and may not perform well in a humid climate.
Related Plants
- Conostylis aculeata
- Conostylis candicans subsp. candicans
- Conostylis drummondii
- Conostylis setigera
References
- “Conostylis Candicans.” Australian Native Plants Society (Australia), 2021, https://anpsa.org.au/c-cand.html.
- “Conostylis Candicans.” PlantNet, 2021, https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Conostylis~candicans.
- “Conostylis Candicans.” Florabase, 2021, https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/10486.
